Lesson Plan

• Describe the role of trade unions and the collective bargaining process in wage determination.
• Explain the key factors that influence a union’s relative bargaining power.
• Calculate the wage premium contributed by union activity using w = wₘ + Δwᵤ.
• Analyse real‑world scenarios to assess how changes in membership density, skill levels, or economic conditions affect union outcomes.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout of the factor table
• Worksheet with wage‑premium calculations
• Case‑study cards (real‑world strike examples)
• Calculators
• Sticky notes for exit tickets

Start with the question, “If a worker’s market wage is $10 per hour, how could a union raise it to $12 per hour?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of supply‑and‑demand setting market wages. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the determinants of union power, calculate the resulting wage premium, and evaluate real‑world cases.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick written response on how market wages are set; share a few answers.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define trade union, collective bargaining, and introduce the formula w = wₘ + Δwᵤ; display a supply‑demand diagram with a union‑induced wage premium.
3. Factor analysis activity (15'): In groups, examine the provided factor table, discuss each factor’s impact, and create a mind‑map of internal vs. external determinants.
4. Calculation worksheet (10'): Students compute wage premiums for two scenarios (high vs. low bargaining power) using the formula.
5. Case‑study debate (10'): Groups analyse a recent strike case, argue whether the union succeeded, and link their argument to the determinants.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Kahoot quiz covering key determinants and their effects.
7. Summary & reflection (5'): Review the checklist; each student writes one key takeaway on a sticky note.

Recap the main determinants of bargaining power and how they translate into wage premiums. For the exit ticket, ask students to write the single factor they believe would most strengthen a union and why. Assign homework: research a recent industrial action and evaluate the union’s bargaining power using the checklist.